Clip attachment for inflatable cases

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, an attachment instrument allows several types of accessories to be attached to an inflatable case. Belt clips, hook and loop straps, lanyards, snap hooks, and the like can be attached to a utility clip, which in turn is attached to a belt, belt loop, or bicycle frame, for instance.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of 60/519,523, filed Nov. 12, 2003, the complete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to inflatable cases, and in particular to inflatable cases with attachments in the form of a clip, strap, or the like.

One exemplary inflatable case is described in copending U.S. Prov. App. No. 60/467,009 filed Apr. 30, 2003; incorporated herein by reference and attached hereto. This invention provides exemplary ways to attach these and other cases to a variety of objects.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for more efficiently coupling an attachment mechanism to an inflatable case. Such attachment mechanisms may comprise a clip, a strap, a fabric loop, or the like.

In many cases, a variety of versatile cases may be used with several different forms of attachments. These attachments may be removed to produce a soft, streamlined case. The present invention may also reduce manufacturing costs because sewing and adhering may not be required. Also, the present invention allows for a more durable attachment than many adhesives.

One embodiment of the present invention represents an inflatable case comprising an attachment location with at least a pair of through holes, and a clip with at least one clipping arm. The clipping arm is slidable through the pair of through holes to permit the clipping arm to couple the clip to the case body. The clip can include at least one slot for a variety of attachment purposes. For example, several types of accessories may be attached to the case using the clip. These include belt clips, hook and loop straps, lanyards, snap hooks, and the like.

A further aspect provides the ability to remove the clip from the case. Once the clip is removed, the case is returned to its soft, streamlined shape.

The removable utility clip may be attached to an air inflated case or bag in several other ways including, but not limited to, sliding the posts of the clip base into keyholes attached to the case or bag, by snapping base posts into snap bases, or the like. The clip can be removed from the inflatable product by sliding it out through keyholes or by unsnapping.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an inflatable case comprising an exterior layer and an interior layer. A portion of the interior layer is exposed through the exterior to form an attachment location. This allows an attachment to a case or bag that will not be sewn or welded to the surface of the case. For example, a base may be coupled to the interior layer at the attachment location. The base is configured to be connected to an attachment mechanism.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a fabric loop is used as an attachment mechanism. The loop is welded or attached with adhesives onto the material. The loop then serves as an attachment point to permit clips, hooks, webbing, or the like, to be attached to a case or bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the figures which are described in the remaining portions of the specification. In the figures, like reference numerals are used throughout several figures to refer to similar components.

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of an attachment instrument that may be used with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the attachment instrument of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a back view of the attachment instrument of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is another back view of the attachment instrument of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a back view of a diagram of the attachment instrument of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A is a back view of another embodiment of an attachment instrument that may be used with the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a front view of the attachment instrument of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a back view of the attachment instrument of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7B is a front view of the attachment instrument of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 8A is a front view of attachment components of the attachment instrument of FIG. 6A that may be used with the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a view of attachment component fittings of the attachment instrument of FIG. 6A coupled to an inflatable case.

FIG. 8C is a front view of one of attachment components of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is a front view of another one of attachment components of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8E is a front view of a complete assembly of attachment components of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8F is another front view of the complete assembly of attachment components of FIG. 8A coupled to an inflatable case.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a complete assembly of attachment instrument of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 10 is a larger view of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 11 is a larger view of FIG. 6F.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of another embodiment of an attachment instrument that may be used with the present invention.

FIG. 13A is a front view of a welded loop on an inflatable case that may be used with the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a front view of a two-sided attachment capability used with the welded loop of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C is a front view of a strap used with the welded loop of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A is a back view of an inflatable case attached to a frame by forms of attachment components that may be used with the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a side view of the inflatable case of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C is a side view of an inflatable case attached vertically to a belt loop by forms of attachment components that may be used with the present invention.

FIG. 14D is a front view of an inflatable case attached horizontally to a belt loop by forms of attachment components that may be used with the present invention.

FIG. 14E is a side view of the inflatable case of FIG. 14D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides systems and methods for attaching a clip, strap, or the like to an inflatable case. There are numerous configurations for implementing the present invention.

For example, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a utility clip 100 that may be coupled to a case. FIG. 1 is a side view of utility clip 100. FIG. 2 is a front view of utility clip 100. FIG. 3 is a back view of utility clip 100. FIG. 4 is another back view of utility clip 100. Utility clip 100 includes at least one clipping arm 110 that is coupled to the body of utility clip 100. Utility clip 100 attaches to an inflated case or bag by sliding clipping arm 110 of utility clip 100 between pieces of material and attaching clipping arm 110 onto the base of utility clip 100 for a secure fit. Utility clip 100 can also be attached on a single layer of material or several layers of material by punching holes through the material and attaching utility clip 100. By sliding clipping arms 110 into through holes between an exterior and interior layer of material, utility clip 100 can be securely attached to the case or bag without utility clip 100 penetrating through to the interior of the case or bag. This will prevent damage to the case as well as to a product being held within the case or bag. Utility clip 100 can be removed by unclipping clipping arm 110 and sliding clipping arm 110 out of the layers of material.

Using clip 100, an inflatable case or bag can be attached vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or swivel-ready onto a variety of belts, frames, and the like. More specifically, clip 100 includes a utility loop 120 that allows the case to swivel in any direction. Vertical attachment slots 130 allow for a clip or a strap to hold the case in a fixed vertical position. The horizontal attachment slots 140 allow for a clip or a strap to hold the case in a fixed horizontal position. Another feature of utility clip 100 is that it is removable. Utility clip 100 can be removed by unclipping the clipping arm 110 and sliding the clipping arm 110 out of the layers of material. Once utility clip 100 is removed, the case is returned to its soft, streamlined shape.

In use, utility clip 100 may attach to an air inflated case or bag by sliding clipping arms 110 of utility clip 100 between two pieces of material and clipping arms 110 onto the base of utility clip 100 for a secure fit. Utility clip 100 can also be attached on a single layer of material or several layers of material by punching holes through the material and attaching utility clip 100. By sliding clipping arms 110 between two layers of material, utility clip 100 can be securely attached to the case or bag without utility clip 100 penetrating into the interior of the case or bag. Utility clip 100 can be removed by unclipping arms 110 and sliding arms 110 out of the layers of material.

Other features of utility clip 100 include, but are not limited to, the ability to couple utility clip 100 to a case without sewing, welding, or gluing. This feature can reduce manufacturing costs because extra materials will not be needed. This manner of attachment is also more durable than many adhesives, welds, and sewing.

Another feature is that utility clip 100 can be replaced by the end user with aftermarket products if needed. The ability to remove utility clip 100 is practical because it allows the inflatable case to return to its soft, streamlined shape. Also, a single utility clip 100 allows several types of accessories to be attached to utility clip 100. For example, belt clips, hook and loop straps, lanyards, snap hooks, and the like can be attached to utility clip 100 by using vertical 130, horizontal 140, or diagonal attachment gates, or by utility loop 120. Utility clip 100 allows attachment to cases or bags that cannot be sewn or welded.

FIG. 5 illustrates a backside of an inflatable case 510 that may be used with clip 100, although the invention is not limited only to this specific case. Inflatable case 510 has at least a pair of through holes 520 that are formed between a portion of interior layer 530 and exterior layer 540. Through holes 520 form an attachment location. A base 550 is coupled to interior layer 530 at the attachment location. Base 550 is configured to be connected to an attachment mechanism, such as clip 100.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B illustrate another embodiment of a utility clip 600. FIG. 6A is a back view of utility clip 600. FIG. 6B is a front view of utility clip 600. Utility clip 600 includes a pair of keyhole base posts 610. Utility clip 600 also includes a pair of slots 620. Slots 620 provide an opening for a utility strap. Utility clip 600 attaches to a belt, frame, and the like, by sliding a utility strap through slots 620. It should be appreciated that slots 620 can be positioned either horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or in combination on utility clip 600.

FIG. 7A is a back view of utility clip 600 and FIG. 7B is a front view of utility clip 600 with a pair of bases 710. Keyhole bases 710 are attached to utility clip 600 by coupling keyhole bases 710 to keyhole base posts 610. Keyhole bases 710 of utility clip 600 may be attached to an inflatable case 820 by using keyholes 810 welded into the inflatable case 820 as shown in FIGS. 8A-8F. FIG. 8B illustrates at least one horizontal keyhole 810. It should be appreciated that keyhole 810 may be positioned either vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or in combination. Keyhole 810 can be welded on an inner layer of material and protrude to the exterior of inflatable case 820. This may be facilitated by using a material such as urethane or PVC to construct the inner layer. Keyhole 810 can also be welded or attached directly to the outer surface of inflatable case 820. Keyhole bases 710, which are coupled to keyhole base posts 610 are snapped onto keyhole 810. Utility strap 830 can be slid through slot 620 of utility clip 600. A metal reinforced utility loop hole 840 can be used at the discretion of the user. Buckle 850 can be used for a VELCRO loop to add extra protection in horizontal stress.

As shown in FIG. 8E, an attachment accessory 860 includes utility clip 600, keyhole bases 710, and utility strap 830. As shown in FIG. 8F, a complete assembly 870 includes attachment accessory 860 coupled to inflatable case 830. FIG. 9 is a larger view of FIG. 8E. FIG. 10 is a larger view of FIG. 8B. FIG. 11 is a larger view of FIG. 8F.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of an attachment instrument 1200. Attachment instrument 1200 includes at least one snap base 1210, a utility clip 1220, and an accessory attachment 1230. Utility clip 1220 includes at least one snap base post 1240 which is coupled to snap base 1210. Snap base 1210 is coupled to inflatable case 820 by fitting snap base 1210 into keyhole 810.

Utility clip 1220 may attach to an air inflated case or bag by several ways including, but not limited to, sliding posts of the clip base into keyholes 810 attached to the case, by snapping base posts 1240 into snap bases 1210, or the like. Keyholes 810 or snap bases 1210 can be welded on an inner layer of material and protrude to the exterior. Keyholes 810 can also be welded or attached directly to the outer surface of case when possible. Utility clip 1220 can be removed from case by sliding out through keyholes 810 or unsnapping snap bases 1210.

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate a fabric loop 1320 that is welded or adhered onto inflatable case 1310. One or both ends 1330 of fabric loop 1320 may be permanently welded or adhered to inflatable case 1310. Alternatively, fabric loop 1320 can have one or both ends 1330 that are detachable. For instance, one or both ends 1330 may be attached to inflatable case 1310 by VELCRO or a snap. Fabric loop 1320, which is coupled to inflatable case 1310, then serves as an attachment point for VELCRO loop 1340 or belt 1350. VELCRO loop 1340 can be removed to make room for belt 1350.

As shown in FIGS. 14A-14E, inflatable case 1310 can be attached to a variety of articles, such as a bicycle frame 1410 (FIGS. 14A-14B) and belt loop 1420 or belt 1430 (FIGS. 14C-14E). VELCRO loop 1330 can be used to attach directly onto belt loop 1420 or belt 1430. Inflatable case 1310 can be positioned horizontally or vertically, depending on the discretion of the user.

Material loop 1320 may be welded or attached with adhesives onto the material. Material loop 1320 can serve as an attachment point for clips, hooks, webbing, or the like to be attached to an air inflated case or bag. Unique features of this embodiment include, but are not limited to, the ability to attach a variety of bases or attachments to a case or bag. Material loop 1320 can be made of soft textiles, thereby remaining lightweight, inexpensive, and soft. As the case is inflated, material loop becomes tighter to the case, thereby minimizing the movement of the accessory attached to the case. This embodiment also includes the ability to remove the clip, hook, webbing, or the like, if desired. 

1. An inflatable case comprising: an inflatable case body having an attachment location with at least a pair of through holes; and a clip comprising a clip body and at least one arm that is coupled to the clip body; wherein the arm is slidable through the pair of through holes to permit the arm to couple the clip to the case body.
 2. In inflatable case as in claim 1, wherein the clip includes at least one slot.
 3. An inflatable case comprising: an inflatable case body comprises an exterior layer and an interior layer, wherein at least a portion of the interior layer is exposed through the exterior layer to form an attachment location; a base coupled to the interior layer at the attachment location, wherein the base is configured to be connected to an attachment mechanism.
 4. An inflatable case comprising: an inflatable case body comprises an exterior layer and an interior layer, wherein at least a portion of the interior layer is exposed through the exterior layer to form an attachment location; an attachment mechanism coupled to the interior layer at the attachment location.
 5. An inflatable case as in claim 4, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a fabric loop. 